Matron. (died399). She was a Roman woman of rank, who, having divorced her first husband, a man of vicious life, and married a second time, later repented her sin, and did public penance. She renounced the world and devoted her immense wealth to the needs of the poor and sick. In 395 she went to Bethlehem, where she lived in the hospice of the convent directed by Saint Paula, and under the direction of Saint Jerome applied herself to the study of Scripture and to ascetic exercises. She eventually returned to Rome, where she assisted in the erection of a hospice for pilgrims. She collaborated with Saint Pammachius in founding another hospice at Porto Romano. Cardinal Wiseman has immortalised her in his novel, “Fabiola.” Feast, 27 December.